Mechanism for deploying a deployable truss beam
US4524552A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H12/185
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A deployment system for a deployable truss structure particularly adapted to space applications which has high structural efficiency and can be remotely operated in a controlled, sequential manner. The truss in its deployed configuration exhibits a "diamond" cross section. Each of the four sides of the structure is essentially a "Warren" truss. Diagonals on the opposite sides of each diamond incorporate a mid-span hinge and the other two diagonals are rigid tubes. When packaged, all elements of the truss are folded so that they are parallel to one another and contained between two guide rails. The guide rails are located on either side of the diamond truss. The horizontal strut connection points or nodes are fitted with rollers that are locked in the guide rails for movement therealong. The deployment initially lifts upright truss members to the vertical position, forming the basic diamond shape of the truss. A traveling deployment mechanism on each guide rail including unlocking and transport devices on an endless tape unlocks the node of the first truss bay and carries it to its deployed length. Sequentially, the tape is reversed and the devices return to the next node, to unlock…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.